Rapid and simultaneous detection of alpha/beta radioactivity in food by solid phase extraction liquid scintillation counting

摘要

The purpose of this study was to develop a practical radioanalytical method suitable for screening for beta- and alpha-emitting radioactive contamination in a large number and wide variety of foods in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency. Simple and rapid solid-phase extraction was used to overcome matrix and radiometric interferences that occurred during food analysis. Benefiting from discriminative liquid scintillation counting, simultaneous detection of alpha and beta radioactivity was achieved with negligible quench effects and similar to 95 % counting efficiencies. Method limits of detection were similar to 0.06 Bq/kg for alpha and similar to 0.4 Bq/kg for beta radioactivity and the results were within +/- 20 % of the known values.